Low blood pressure

Last week I talked about ways to lower blood pressure using holistic methods. As mentioned, high blood pressure (hypertension) can be a silent killer, and as such it is of critical importance that it is addressed as soon as possible. Low blood pressure, on the other hand, is not usually life threatening and is therefore less worrisome as long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms. Ironically, low blood pressure tends to be affected by either extremely efficient heart function or inefficient heart function. In the latter case, it can be improved by cardiovascular conditioning. It can be also be adversely impacted by medication.

If you are taking medication to lower your blood pressure, it may lead to (too) low blood pressure, or hypotension. Hypotension can cause fainting, fatigue and weakness, possibly with nausea, sweating, and restlessness preceding a loss of consciousness. Postural hypotension, a very temporary lowering of blood pressure, is usually caused by standing up too quickly. My husband, who is tall and extremely fit, experiences this often, especially after a hard bike workout. This leads to dizziness and wears off quickly. But it can also lead to passing out if he does not find something to lean on.

For some older adults, low blood pressure can simply result from eating. This is called postprandial hypotension. It happens because blood is diverted to the gastrointestinal tract to help with digesting food. If the heart is not as efficient at increasing blood flow by pumping more quickly, so, with too much blood going to help with digesting a meal, there is too little traveling to the brain. Drinking lots of fluids (not wine!) increases blood volume, which may alleviate this condition. In some cases, low blood pressure can be a sign of heart disease or blood loss, especially a sudden loss of blood such as in an accident. In many cases though, moderately low blood pressure is a sign of good health, especially in younger people. And in my husband’s case, fit middle-aged people.  

Conclusion? If your blood pressure is low after eating, adding regular cardiovascular exercise to your regimen will be the most helpful in solving the problem. If you are uncertain as to the cause of your low blood pressure, seek the advice of a physician.